You know an episode’s good when you want to watch it again immediately after watching it the first time.
The title quote of this post is from Batman Begins, but this isn’t about Batman.
It is, however, about superheroes.
Justice League Unlimited has finished its second season. Much to the relief of comic geeks everywhere, it’s been picked up for a third. I know I’ve gushed about this show before, but further gushing is required.
As much as I dig shows like 24, Numb3rs, Lost and Alias, I’m starting to believe JLU may just be the best-written show on television.
And that’s not an exaggeration.
The writing on this show is positively stellar. It’s got long story arcs, (some more than two seasons long), serious character development, tongue-in-cheek humor, and a plot that keeps you coming back for more.
And then there are the visuals.
Modern cartoons, especially those from the US, aren’t usually all that impressive. To be honest, I still don’t care too much for the character models on the JL shows, but I can live with them. The rest of what’s on the screen I’ve got no gripes with at all. Some of it is beyond gorgeous. They use CGI sparingly, and to great effect when they do.
The final action sequence of episode 212 is possibly one of the best bits of animation I’ve ever seen. It involves The Flash, whose only power is to run really fast. Not usually the most impressive superhero, since all he’s pretty much a one-trick pony. But if you wanted a guy to run at somebody and punch them, he’s your man. And if you get him to run a loooooong way, as fast as he can, it’s damned impressive to watch.
How impressive?
Well, have you ever seen something in a TV show or movie that just made you stop and say, “holy fuck, that was cool!”? A couple good examples of things on this level are the explosion at the beginning of Swordfish (must be viewed in 5.1 sound to truly appreciate) or the pistol fight at the end of Equilibrium. (Okay, not stellar movies in a lot of people’s books, but trust me, those two scenes are works of art.)
I’m talking something so impressive you wished you could watch it again right away? Or did watch right away if you were watching at home? I love moments like these. They make the mediocrity of most movies and shows worth putting up with.
But I want more of them.
Anybody else know any scenes or shows like this?